Delicious Recipes for a Nut-Free Diet

Maintaining a nut-free diet can be essential for individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious recipes that avoid nuts while still offering satisfying flavors and textures. Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, these recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.

1. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
●    1 cup quinoa
●    2 cups water or vegetable broth
●    1 red bell pepper, diced
●    1 zucchini, diced
●    1 yellow squash, diced
●    1 red onion, thinly sliced
●    2 tablespoons olive oil
●    Salt and pepper to taste
●    Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
●    Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:
1.    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.    Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
3.    Toss diced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
4.    In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables. Add fresh herbs and lemon juice. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
5.    Serve warm or chilled as a hearty and nutritious salad.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Ingredients:
●    1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
●    2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (ensure it's nut-free)
●    1 tablespoon cornstarch
●    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
●    1 red bell pepper, sliced
●    1 cup broccoli florets
●    1 cup snap peas
●    2 garlic cloves, minced
●    1-inch piece of ginger, grated
●    Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:
1.    In a bowl, mix chicken strips with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2.    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3.    In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4.    Add bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5.    Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
6.    Serve hot cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying and nut-free meal.

3. Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
●    8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
●    2 tablespoons olive oil
●    3 garlic cloves, minced
●    1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
●    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
●    1/2 teaspoon dried basil
●    Salt and pepper to taste
●    Fresh basil leaves, chopped
●    Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:
1.    Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2.    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3.    Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4.    Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the tomato sauce.
5.    Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil.
6.    Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for a comforting nut-free pasta dish.

Conclusion
These nut-free recipes are not only safe for those with allergies but also delicious and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're preparing a quick stir-fry, a hearty quinoa salad, or a comforting pasta dish, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy any mealtime craving. Enjoy these dishes knowing they are both nutritious and free from nuts, making them perfect for a nut-free diet.